Stress Urinary Incontinence Post-Hysterectomy

DC 7517Gynecological/Breast38 CFR 4.115a, DC 7517

Involuntary urine leakage that occurs after a hysterectomy, typically when coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising. The surgery can weaken pelvic support structures and damage nerves that control the bladder. The VA rates this condition based on how often leakage occurs and what management you need.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how often symptoms occur and how severe each episode is. The examiner will ask about the frequency, duration, and intensity of your episodes, as well as how they affect your ability to work.

Diagnostic code

DC 7517

Rating range

0% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.115a, DC 7517. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

Rating Levels

You need to wear absorbent materials (pads) that must be changed more than 4 times a day, or you require an appliance or catheter to manage urinary leakage.

What the VA looks for

Severe urinary incontinence requiring frequent pad changes
More than 4 absorbent pads per day
Use of urinary catheter or collection device
Surgical intervention (sling, bladder neck suspension)
Significant limitation on daily activities and employment

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not keeping a voiding diary that tracks leakage episodes and pad changes — the VA rating is based directly on how many pads you use per day, so accurate records are critical.
⚠Failing to connect the incontinence to the hysterectomy — get a medical opinion that the surgery damaged pelvic support or nerves, causing the incontinence.
⚠Not reporting the condition because of embarrassment — urinary incontinence is a recognized medical condition with clear VA rating criteria.
⚠Understating pad usage to the examiner — be honest and accurate about the number of pads you change daily, as this directly determines your rating percentage.
⚠Not filing this as secondary to a service-connected hysterectomy — the incontinence is a direct consequence of the surgery and should be claimed accordingly.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Kidney and Urinary Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

Stress Urinary Incontinence Post-Hysterectomy

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7517

Rating range

0% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You need to wear absorbent materials (pads) that must be changed more than 4 times a day, or you require an appliance or catheter to manage urinary leakage.

What the VA looks for

Severe urinary incontinence requiring frequent pad changes
More than 4 absorbent pads per day
Use of urinary catheter or collection device
Surgical intervention (sling, bladder neck suspension)
Significant limitation on daily activities and employment

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not keeping a voiding diary that tracks leakage episodes and pad changes — the VA rating is based directly on how many pads you use per day, so accurate records are critical.

⚠Failing to connect the incontinence to the hysterectomy — get a medical opinion that the surgery damaged pelvic support or nerves, causing the incontinence.

⚠Not reporting the condition because of embarrassment — urinary incontinence is a recognized medical condition with clear VA rating criteria.

⚠Understating pad usage to the examiner — be honest and accurate about the number of pads you change daily, as this directly determines your rating percentage.

⚠Not filing this as secondary to a service-connected hysterectomy — the incontinence is a direct consequence of the surgery and should be claimed accordingly.